My Dear Emma [Sherlock Holmes Romance]

Chapter Three

As my mother and I walked through town, to the bookstore, my mind wondered to the next chance I should see Thomas.

"Emma," said Mama; Mama had not fully recovered from the argument with Papa. "Where did you go during breakfast?"

"On a walk to the park," I replied, pausing to look at the flower booth.

"With no escort or chaperone? How dare you do such a thing, and unaccompanied!"

"I had feared nothing, Mama. Besides, you and Papa never disagree, much less in front of me. I needed the change of scenery."

I kept walking, not stopping, until I had arrived at the bookstore.

"Good day, miss," greeted the clerk as I entered.

I nodded and went straight to a bookshelf.

"Emma, darling," said Mama, coming to stand next to me. "Your father and I did not quarrel; we had a small disagreement, which we resolved before he left this morning."

"What difference would it make?" I asked, moving to the next shelf. "I still witnessed the argument, which I have never done so before. How am I supposed to react?"

"I understand your distress," she replied, "but you must not let it become the better of you."

"Why, Mrs. Watson!"

I winced at the sound of Mrs. Bennett's voice.

"How do you do, Mrs. Bennett?" asked Mama, not the least bit curios why I attempted to hide my face. "Miss Eliza."

"Good day, Mrs. Watson," Eliza replied with a vexing look in her eye.

"'Tis so fortunate we should see you," said Mrs. Bennett, "I should like to invite Miss Emma to our masquerade ball, come Sunday evening. Mrs. Watson, you and your husband are welcome to attend as well."

"Oh, we shall be delighted to attend," exclaimed Mama. "I cannot promise John will attend, but I certainly shall."

"I remain undecided," I stated, holding my book to my chest. "For it is Sunday evening that I return from the countryside. Is that not right Mama?"

"Emma," she replied softly. "I believe you shall have plenty of time to prepare for the ball when you return."

"Would the young lady wish to attend with an escort?"

The detective was suddenly standing between Mama and Mrs. Bennett.

"It has come to my attention," said Mr. Homes, "that my son has also received an invitation, yet he, too, remains indecisive. Miss Watson, I wonder if you could persuade him."

"Please say you will," Eliza said with a rather false pleading tone.

I thought back to the morning, how Thomas had told Eliza she would find him, should she find me.

"I am not very persuasive," I said, "yet I shall do as you have asked, Mr. Holmes. I need not remind you that Thomas does not need persuasion from me on your behalf. He knows what he wants and can make the decision on his own."

"Quite right Miss Watson," the detective said, nodding with approval. "Moreover, in the past I have never used force with Thomas in having him do something he did not want to do. I say, Miss Bennett, you appear rather distressed about the matter at present. And dear Miss Watson, might I have Thomas call upon you during the course of the afternoon?"

"I have a better idea," said Mama, smiling at the detective. "You and your son should join us for supper tomorrow evening. Mrs. Bennett, you, your husband and Miss Eliza must join as well."